Why Hydrogen Cars Stalled—and What That Means for Marine Fuel Cells

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) once held great promise for a greener future. These cars emitted only water vapor and were poised to replace gasoline-powered vehicles. Automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai invested heavily in FCEVs, supported by governments funding hydrogen fueling infrastructure. However, despite billions of dollars spent, hydrogen cars have largely failed.

The key issue was infrastructure. While battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) leveraged existing electricity grids, hydrogen cars required specialized fueling stations. California, the U.S. leader in hydrogen infrastructure, still has fewer than 50 operational stations as of 2024. Most states have none.

Consumer adoption was also slow due to cost and convenience. Hydrogen vehicles are expensive, and without sufficient fueling stations, drivers faced “range anxiety.” BEVs, meanwhile, surged in popularity, aided by expanding fast-charging networks.

Hydrogen’s failure in consumer markets offers lessons for maritime adoption. Unlike cars, ships operate in fixed routes, making centralized fueling hubs practical. Ports could serve as hydrogen production and refueling centers, avoiding the logistical challenges of widespread fueling stations.

Moreover, hydrogen suits large ships needing long ranges and fast refueling. Batteries remain heavy and impractical for long-haul maritime applications. By focusing on maritime and heavy-duty sectors, hydrogen could succeed where it struggled in consumer vehicles.

These lessons from hydrogen cars underscore the importance of planning infrastructure alongside technology. As the maritime industry pushes toward sustainability, hydrogen may finally realize its potential.